Good Journalism Safeguards the Public’s Right to Know | Opinion

Deceiving the general populace has become simpler than ever before. The advancement of technology along with a plethora of untrustworthy media outlets has led to misinformation becoming routine. Nevertheless, we persist in consuming news with hopes of truthfulness and precision, particularly when it pertains to issues impacting our well-being.

We frequently believe that experts such as doctors, police officers, judges, politicians, and jurors operate with honesty and equity. Journalists fall into this category too. Ethical journalism requires a dedication to revealing and presenting the truth transparently and justly. However, contemporary journalists commonly face skepticism and distrust.

Similar to fields like medicine or law enforcement, journalism isn’t flawless. This career is rooted in documenting current events based on the knowledge available at the time, acknowledging that initial reports might change later. Such changes aren’t indicative of mistakes; rather, they reflect the process through which truths become clearer over time.

In today’s era of manipulated media, deepfakes, automated accounts, and heightened political division, the integrity and trustworthiness of our institutions have never been more crucial. Information bombards us from all directions, yet falsehoods spread even more widely.

This column discusses the importance of local journalism and its intended role in serving you.

Residents of Southwest Florida benefit from being covered by multiple news outlets dedicated to precision, openness, and serving the community’s best interests. Each of these newsrooms consistently maintains rigorous journalism ethics and showcases reliability daily. For example, during hurricane events, local reporters do more than inform; they assist in preparing neighborhoods, directing emergency responses, and aiding recovery initiatives.

High-quality journalism thrives on enthusiasm—but even more so, on having a clear objective. While some might view this as overly optimistic, it holds merit: at its finest, journalism serves the public good. It aids communities in grasping the matters, choices, and occurrences that mold their existence.

The essence of this mission lies within the First Amendment, safeguarding the liberty to report without the threat of retaliation. At its foundation is a straightforward idea: you possess the right to be informed.

You have the right to be informed about whether your area is secure, if your kids can travel to school safely, if legal authorities operate impartially, and if your administration works for everyone rather than just a chosen minority. Reporters strive to make sure that your opinions are acknowledged, your worries are reflected, and your locality gets noticed.

Quality journalism guarantees that your voice is recognized, your opinions are listened to, and you are esteemed.

However, if the aim of local journalism is to safeguard your right to be informed, are the public officials and institutions that should be holding them accountable actually working in your best interests?

More frequently than not, the response tends to be negative.

Government representatives often avoid responsibility throughout the nation—and specifically within Southwest Florida. They refuse access to public documents, sidestep inquiries, and disregard valid issues. Whenever an elected leader responds with "no comment" to a reporter, they’re also telling you the same thing: you have no right to be informed.

Consider two examples:

The News-Press asked for specifics from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office regarding multiple contracts totaling more than a million dollars. These included agreements with both a children’s book writer and a previous state senator. What advantage did this bring to the community? And why were these people employed? However, the Sheriff’s Office declined to provide an explanation.

David Dorsey, a senior editor at Gulfshore Business, revealed that a lobbyist advocated for two developers looking to gain approval from the Lee County Commission. Simultaneously, this same individual acted as a campaign advisor to four out of the five commissioners who would be voting on these projects. Even with significant public opposition, both development initiatives received the green light. However, when asked about the ethical implications of such conflicting roles, the commissioners declined to comment.

Frequently, local administrations function with insufficient oversight from both citizens and media outlets. Florida previously set an exemplary standard nationwide for transparent public records. However, gradually, lawmakers have enacted over a thousand exceptions, progressively eroding the state’s formerly commendable dedication to transparency. In the absence of robust disclosure practices and adequately supported community journalism, those who stand to gain will not be the general populace but rather particular interest groups.

Journalists aren't seeking praise; instead, they desire recognition for their work. They aim to make people comprehend that without openness and accountability from those in power, society as a whole suffers.

On Saturday, May 3rd, we observe World Press Freedom Day. Kindly back the journalists working for your neighborhood. Consider subscribing to your nearby newspapers. Keep up with reliable online news platforms. Tune into your local television news broadcasts.

SWFL reporters are here for you.

Thomas Doerr serves as the president of The Press Club of Southwest Florida.

The article initially appeared in the Fort Myers News-Press. The public’s access to information is best protected through quality journalism | Opinion